Mirkwood Reflections

1 -  An Experiment in Criticism  by C.S. Lewis 3/5/2012 -   Excellent - Non-fiction -  A short but meaningful and deep book on literary criticism.  Wow, this book was deep. I started out disagreeing with him quite a bit, thinking he was a snob. But by the end, I was nodding my head furiously and making plans to purchase this book. It was out of print, but is going to be published again shortly, if not already. I was able to download three Francis Chan books free for Kindle a few months ago.  2 - Erasing Hell  by Francis Chan and Preston Sprinkle - 7/5/2012 -  Excellent - Inspirational; How could a loving God send people to hell? Will people have a chance after they die to believe in Jesus and go to heaven? With a humble respect for God's Word, Francis Chan and Preston Sprinkle address the deepest questions you have about eternal destiny. They've asked the same questions. Like you, sometimes they just don't want to believe in hell. Bu...

Here are the best fiction books I read in 2012. This list does not include any re-reads, only books I read for the first time this year. 1. The Historian  by Elizabeth Kostova -  3/25/2012 Excellent - Historical Fiction; Historians track down the real Dracula.  Wow, this was an interesting read! The story was told from several characters' perspectives. It was one of my first Kindle library loans and I didn't finish it in time, but I borrowed it again. Long book, but really really interesting!   2 - Henry V  (with SmartPass commentary) by William Shakespeare -  7/28/2012 Excellent - Classic, Audiobook; Henry V invades France.  I have never read any of Shakespeare's history plays, until now. I didn't expect humor and romance! Loved it! Of course, the fact that Tom Hiddleston is playing Henry in an upcoming PBS presentation doesn't hurt at all. I did watch the Branagh version as well. Oh, and I listened to it on audio with a commentary intersperse...

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien - 12/13/2012 Excellent - Children's A hobbit named Bilbo Baggins joins 13 dwarves and a wizard to reclaim the dwarves' stolen treasure from a dragon. Our book club selection for December. The newly released movie was our impetus for reading. I'd read The Hobbit before, but not for years. I liked Bilbo a lot more this time through. The Very Virile Viking  by Sandra Hill - 12/1/2012  Good - Romance (Steamy) Magnus Ericsson, a 10th century Viking, travels back in time to modern day California, where he meets Angela Abruzzi, upscale realtor and heir to a failing vineyard. #3 in the Viking time travel series (I skipped #2 because #3 arrived first). I enjoyed it! Pagan Christianity by Frank Viola and George Barna - 12/14/2012  Excellent - Non-fiction The history of church traditions - pagan or Biblical Very interesting. Why do we have a pastor? Take an offering? Have a church building? Dress up to go to church? Have a choir? Do you th...